PARIS — The number of reported violent incidents in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia fell slightly on Friday, a day after France imposed a state of emergency as a promised 1,000 reinforcements to security services with greater powers were deployed to quell unrest in the archipelago that has long sought independence.
The top French official in the territory, High Commissioner Louis Le Franc, on Friday announced strict measures under the state of emergency declared by President Emmanuel Macron. In light of the serious disturbances to public order, a curfew is in force from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
The nighttime curfew was extended for the duration of the state of emergency, which will be in effect for at least 11 days. French military forces were deployed to protect ports and airports and free up police troops.
“Exceptions to this curfew include essential public service personnel, urgent medical travel and critical nighttime activities,” Le Franc said.
He said curfew violations would result in sentences of up to six months in prison and a fine, and urged everyone to follow the rules and help restore order.
Clashes broke out on Monday following protests over electoral reforms approved by the National Assembly in Paris. Lawmakers approved changes to the French constitution, led by President Emmanuel Macron’s government, that would allow residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to cast their votes in provincial elections.
There have been decades of tensions in the archipelago between the indigenous Kanaks who seek independence and the descendants of colonizers who want to remain part of France.
French authorities in New Caledonia and the Interior Ministry in Paris said five people, including two police officers, died after protests earlier this week.
At least 60 members of the security forces were injured and 214 people were arrested Thursday for clashes with police, arson and looting, Le Franc said.
Two members of the Kanak community were among the five people killed.
Leaders of a Kanak workers union in Paris called for calm and said they were deeply saddened by the deaths in their distant homeland.
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